Print

Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Meatballs

sweet and spicy crockpot meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

These sweet and spicy crockpot meatballs are the ultimate easy party appetizer, featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a bold, sticky sauce of sweet chili, grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and sriracha. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or a fuss-free family dinner, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz frozen meatballs (homestyle or Italian-style)
  • 1 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2–4 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Place frozen meatballs directly into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. No need to thaw.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, grape jelly, barbecue sauce, sriracha or hot sauce, garlic powder, and soy sauce until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Gently toss to coat all meatballs.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-2.5 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust heat with extra sriracha or red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Once meatballs are hot and sauce is thickened, transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired.
  7. Keep slow cooker on ‘warm’ for serving over several hours.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and sauces. Adjust spice level to taste. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. If sauce is too thin, remove lid for last 30 minutes; if too thick, add a splash of water or barbecue sauce. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight. Can be made with plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, sweet and spicy meatballs, party appetizer, slow cooker, easy meatballs, game day, potluck, freezer meatballs, sweet chili sauce, grape jelly meatballs

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/sweet-and-spicy-crockpot-meatballs-recipe-easy-party-appetizer/